US7978215B2 - System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations - Google Patents

System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7978215B2
US7978215B2 US10/721,071 US72107103A US7978215B2 US 7978215 B2 US7978215 B2 US 7978215B2 US 72107103 A US72107103 A US 72107103A US 7978215 B2 US7978215 B2 US 7978215B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
agent
electronic device
activation
shortcut operation
agent shortcut
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US10/721,071
Other versions
US20050114483A1 (en
Inventor
Keith Kocho
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cisco Systems International SARL
Cisco Technology Inc
Original Assignee
Cisco Technology Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cisco Technology Inc filed Critical Cisco Technology Inc
Priority to US10/721,071 priority Critical patent/US7978215B2/en
Assigned to EXTENDMEDIA INC. reassignment EXTENDMEDIA INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KOCHO, KEITH
Priority to CA002470968A priority patent/CA2470968A1/en
Publication of US20050114483A1 publication Critical patent/US20050114483A1/en
Priority to US13/118,438 priority patent/US8289361B2/en
Assigned to CISCO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL S.A.R.L. reassignment CISCO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL S.A.R.L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EXTENDMEDIA ULC, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO EXTENDMEDIA INC.
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7978215B2 publication Critical patent/US7978215B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2807—Exchanging configuration information on appliance services in a home automation network
    • H04L12/2814—Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/34—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications involving the movement of software or configuration parameters 
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/40—Network security protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
    • H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
    • H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
    • H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for setting up and activating of agent shortcut operations. More specifically, the present invention relates to such a system and method for setting up and activating of agent shortcut operations for use in network-connected electronic devices.
  • Electronic devices used today often have complex graphic user interfaces.
  • a function such as setting device preferences, parental controls, setting recording or tuning options, playing music in a specified order, etc.
  • a user is often presented with one or a series of complex screens to make selections from.
  • a user may have difficulty in navigating through the numerous screens and choices that are presented. For example, if the device is a set top box in a cable television system, a user may have multiple set top boxes in different locations, and the user may want to make different selections for each of them.
  • the different set top boxes may be set up with different parental control settings, different recording selections, etc. Additionally, the user may want to change such settings on occasion, and may forget to do so or want to do so from a remote location.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for setting up an agent shortcut operation, and for executing and/or activating an agent shortcut operation on an electronic device in a network.
  • the agent shortcut operation can be setup at an electronic device connected to a network by receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, and sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation.
  • the agent shortcut operation can be activated by sending an agent shortcut operation to the electronic device, receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation, and in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for the setup, configuration, activation and execution of agent shortcut operations.
  • the present invention is particularly useful when used with a network connected device, as further explained below.
  • the agent shortcut operations are a series of discrete instructions combined into a instruction set, that enable the user to easily carry out an operation or operations defined in the agent shortcut operation.
  • the instruction set may be complex.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • System 100 includes various elements that may function to allow the setup, configuration, activation and execution of an agent shortcut operation or operations, as further explained below.
  • System 100 may include a network 110 .
  • Network 110 may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).
  • the system 100 may be used in any environment, including a home environment or a business environment.
  • the network 110 may be connected to one or more Agent Setup Devices, such as a computer 120 , a personal data assistant 125 , a phone 130 , and/or another network connected device 133 .
  • Agent Setup Devices may be a wired connection or a wireless connection, and may include any conventional or non-conventional connection method, including but not limited to dialup, cable, satellite, wireless, DSL, cable modem, infrared, Ethernet, etc.
  • the Agent Setup Devices may be used to setup and/or configure agent shortcut operations, as further discussed below.
  • Agent Managed Devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be executed.
  • the present invention may include only one of these devices or any number of these devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be executed.
  • the device on which the agent shortcut operation is to be executed may be a computer 140 , a refrigerator 145 , an x10 controller 150 , a television 155 (which may include a set top box), a home alarm or alarm system 160 , a thermostat 165 , and/or another network connected device 170 . Any electronic device that can be connected to a network can function with the present invention.
  • the network connected device 170 which may be connected in a wired or wireless manner.
  • the network connected device 170 may be a personal data assistant, a computer, a phone, or a gaming console for a video game system, or any other network connected electronic device.
  • Agent Activation Devices are Also connected to network 110 .
  • the present invention may include only one of these devices or any number of these devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be activated.
  • the device on which the agent shortcut operation is to be activated may be a computer 175 , a personal data assistant 180 , a phone 185 , and/or another network connected device 190 . Any electronic device that can be connected to a network can function with the present invention.
  • the present invention may be used to setup and/or configure agent shortcut operations on an Agent Setup Device connected to the network 100 .
  • the present invention may also be used to allow a user to select one or more agent shortcut operations on an Agent Activation Device connected to the network, where the agent shortcut operations are transferred or sent to the Agent-Managed Device connected to the network, for subsequent execution on the Agent-Managed Device.
  • the system 100 may also include a server 135 that may be used to store and/or relay agent shortcut operations, and to provide menus to the user in accordance with the present invention.
  • the server 135 may be at a same physical location as any of the devices and network 110 , or may be at a different location. For example, if system 100 is a system for use in the home, server 135 could be located in the home, or be located at a different location.
  • the server 135 may be owned by an entity that the user subscribes to, such as a cable company or ISP (Internet Service Provider). The user may be able to setup, configure and activate the agent shortcut macros by connecting to the server 135 , where the server 135 provides graphics to the user, as further explained below.
  • ISP Internet Service Provider
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a screen shot 200 that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • This and subsequent screenshots shown herein are only examples on numerous variations that could be used with the present invention.
  • the user may be able to access the screen shot 200 on an Agent Setup Device such as devices 120 - 133 shown in FIG. 1 , for example.
  • the user may access screen shot 200 by logging onto a particular website and entering a password, for example.
  • Screen shot 200 also includes an Agents portion 210 , which may be selected to set up agents and agent shortcut operations.
  • Log out portion 215 may be selected to log out.
  • Agent name portion 220 may be used to name agent shortcut operations.
  • Agent type portion 225 may be used to set an agent type, such as STB (set top box).
  • Agent shortcut operation portions 230 are used to set up agent shortcut operations. Distinct tasks 1 -N are shown in FIG. 2 . Any type of task may be used. For example, the distinct task 1 could be to set the home alarm at 9:00, distinct task 2 could be to turn on outside lights at 7:00, distinct task 3 could be to set parental control level 3 on STB 1 at 4:00, and so forth. Control portions 240 allow manipulation of the agent shortcut operations, by adding, removing and moving within the agent shortcut operations.
  • the set activation method portion 250 allows the user to set the method of activation of the agent shortcut operations, to set how the agent shortcut operations will be activated. For example, this will allow the user to select Agent Activation Devices which will be allowed to activate the agent shortcut operations, such a computer 175 , a personal data assistant 180 , a phone 185 , and/or another network connected device 190 , as further described below.
  • Agent Activation Devices which will be allowed to activate the agent shortcut operations, such a computer 175 , a personal data assistant 180 , a phone 185 , and/or another network connected device 190 , as further described below.
  • the set access rights portion 260 is used to allow the user to set particular actors who will be able to activate the agent shortcuts. For example, a user may want adult members of her family to be able to activate the agent shortcut operations, but to prohibit the minors in her family from doing so.
  • the save portion 270 lets a user save entries that have been made.
  • the activate now portion 280 allows the user to have agent shortcut operations entered in the agent shortcut operation portion 230 activated immediately on the Agent-Managed Device.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a screen shot 300 that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • the user may be able to access the screen shot 300 on an Agent Setup Device, such as devices 120 - 133 shown in FIG. 1 , for example.
  • the user may access screen shot 300 by logging onto a particular website and entering a password, for example.
  • Screen shot 300 also includes an Agents portion 310 .
  • Agent List portion 320 may be selected to display an agent list of currently set up agents. How to Activate an Agent portion 330 may be selected to display instructions on how to activate an agent shortcut operation.
  • Instruction portion 340 contains instructions regarding agent activation.
  • Phone number portion 350 allows a user to list a phone number for a phone that may be used for an Agent Activation Device.
  • E-mail portion 360 allows a user to list an address for an e-mail account that may be used as an Agent Activation Device.
  • WAP device portion 370 allows a user to list an address for a WAP device that may be used as an Agent Activation Device.
  • Add New Device portion 380 upon selection, allows a user to add a new Agent Activation Device.
  • the server 135 will be programmed to accept signals from any of the devices having information entered in portions 350 , 360 or 370 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a screen shot 400 that may be generated in accordance with the present invention.
  • Agent function portion 420 shows seven different agent shortcut operations, although any number of agent shortcut operations can be used.
  • the agent functions 420 may be set up by the system based on previous selections made by the user, as described in FIG. 2 . For example, if the user has previously set one or more parental control levels, the system may automatically set up such agent functions. Alternatively, the user may manually set desired agent functions, such as tuning to a specific channel at a desired time, turning on lights or other electronic devices connected to the network, etc.
  • the screen shot 400 also includes codes 430 .
  • the codes 430 are different for each agent function 420 .
  • the appropriate code 430 is sent by an Agent Activation Device as described above in conjunction with FIG. 3 , the appropriate agent functionality will be executed on the Agent-Managed Device, as further described below.
  • the system will function to allow the user to activate agent shortcut operations, using one of the Agent Activation Devices. For example, if the user is using a phone or WAP device, the user will dial or enter an access number that will access server 135 . If the user is using e-mail, the user will send an email to an e-mail address that accesses the server 135 . In either event, all the user must do now is enter or send the appropriate code 430 .
  • the server 135 contains programming that recognizes the Agent Activation Device as belonging to the particular user, recognizes the entered code, and sends a signal to the Agent-Managed Device to execute the agent shortcut operation.
  • the Agent Managed Device then associates the code with the appropriate agent shortcut macro, and causes the desired functionality to be carried out.
  • the agent shortcut operations can also be carried out on any Agent Activation Device. For example, specific keys on a television remote control may be programmed as hotkeys for activation of the agent shortcut operations to be executed on a digital set top box. This allows the user to have the added convenience of not having to access additional screens to perform the desired functionality.

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for setting up an agent shortcut operation to be activated at an electronic device in a network. The agent shortcut operation can be setup at an electronic device connected to a network by receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, and sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation. The agent shortcut operation can be activated by sending an agent shortcut operation to the electronic device, receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation, and in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a system and method for setting up and activating of agent shortcut operations. More specifically, the present invention relates to such a system and method for setting up and activating of agent shortcut operations for use in network-connected electronic devices.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Electronic devices used today often have complex graphic user interfaces. To perform a function, such as setting device preferences, parental controls, setting recording or tuning options, playing music in a specified order, etc., a user is often presented with one or a series of complex screens to make selections from.
However, as the available options to a user become more numerous and complex, a user may have difficulty in navigating through the numerous screens and choices that are presented. For example, if the device is a set top box in a cable television system, a user may have multiple set top boxes in different locations, and the user may want to make different selections for each of them. The different set top boxes may be set up with different parental control settings, different recording selections, etc. Additionally, the user may want to change such settings on occasion, and may forget to do so or want to do so from a remote location.
Accordingly, what is needed is a way to control and manipulate such settings to be more easily used. Additionally, it would be beneficial if such settings could be controlled and set from a remote location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for setting up an agent shortcut operation, and for executing and/or activating an agent shortcut operation on an electronic device in a network.
The agent shortcut operation can be setup at an electronic device connected to a network by receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, and sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation. The agent shortcut operation can be activated by sending an agent shortcut operation to the electronic device, receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation, and in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen shot that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices and systems for the setup, configuration, activation and execution of agent shortcut operations. The present invention is particularly useful when used with a network connected device, as further explained below.
The agent shortcut operations are a series of discrete instructions combined into a instruction set, that enable the user to easily carry out an operation or operations defined in the agent shortcut operation. The instruction set may be complex.
FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes various elements that may function to allow the setup, configuration, activation and execution of an agent shortcut operation or operations, as further explained below.
System 100 may include a network 110. Network 110 may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The system 100 may be used in any environment, including a home environment or a business environment.
The network 110 may be connected to one or more Agent Setup Devices, such as a computer 120, a personal data assistant 125, a phone 130, and/or another network connected device 133. The connection of Agent Setup Devices may be a wired connection or a wireless connection, and may include any conventional or non-conventional connection method, including but not limited to dialup, cable, satellite, wireless, DSL, cable modem, infrared, Ethernet, etc. The Agent Setup Devices may be used to setup and/or configure agent shortcut operations, as further discussed below.
Also connected to network 110 are one or more Agent Managed Devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be executed. The present invention may include only one of these devices or any number of these devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be executed. For example, the device on which the agent shortcut operation is to be executed may be a computer 140, a refrigerator 145, an x10 controller 150, a television 155 (which may include a set top box), a home alarm or alarm system 160, a thermostat 165, and/or another network connected device 170. Any electronic device that can be connected to a network can function with the present invention.
For example, the network connected device 170, which may be connected in a wired or wireless manner. The network connected device 170 may be a personal data assistant, a computer, a phone, or a gaming console for a video game system, or any other network connected electronic device.
Also connected to network 110 are one or more Agent Activation Devices. The present invention may include only one of these devices or any number of these devices on which the agent shortcut operations are to be activated. For example, the device on which the agent shortcut operation is to be activated may be a computer 175, a personal data assistant 180, a phone 185, and/or another network connected device 190. Any electronic device that can be connected to a network can function with the present invention.
The present invention may be used to setup and/or configure agent shortcut operations on an Agent Setup Device connected to the network 100. The present invention may also be used to allow a user to select one or more agent shortcut operations on an Agent Activation Device connected to the network, where the agent shortcut operations are transferred or sent to the Agent-Managed Device connected to the network, for subsequent execution on the Agent-Managed Device.
The system 100 may also include a server 135 that may be used to store and/or relay agent shortcut operations, and to provide menus to the user in accordance with the present invention. The server 135 may be at a same physical location as any of the devices and network 110, or may be at a different location. For example, if system 100 is a system for use in the home, server 135 could be located in the home, or be located at a different location. The server 135 may be owned by an entity that the user subscribes to, such as a cable company or ISP (Internet Service Provider). The user may be able to setup, configure and activate the agent shortcut macros by connecting to the server 135, where the server 135 provides graphics to the user, as further explained below.
FIG. 2 illustrates a screen shot 200 that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This and subsequent screenshots shown herein are only examples on numerous variations that could be used with the present invention. The user may be able to access the screen shot 200 on an Agent Setup Device such as devices 120-133 shown in FIG. 1, for example. The user may access screen shot 200 by logging onto a particular website and entering a password, for example.
Screen shot 200 also includes an Agents portion 210, which may be selected to set up agents and agent shortcut operations. Log out portion 215 may be selected to log out. Agent name portion 220 may be used to name agent shortcut operations. Agent type portion 225 may be used to set an agent type, such as STB (set top box).
Agent shortcut operation portions 230 are used to set up agent shortcut operations. Distinct tasks 1-N are shown in FIG. 2. Any type of task may be used. For example, the distinct task 1 could be to set the home alarm at 9:00, distinct task 2 could be to turn on outside lights at 7:00, distinct task 3 could be to set parental control level 3 on STB 1 at 4:00, and so forth. Control portions 240 allow manipulation of the agent shortcut operations, by adding, removing and moving within the agent shortcut operations.
The set activation method portion 250 allows the user to set the method of activation of the agent shortcut operations, to set how the agent shortcut operations will be activated. For example, this will allow the user to select Agent Activation Devices which will be allowed to activate the agent shortcut operations, such a computer 175, a personal data assistant 180, a phone 185, and/or another network connected device 190, as further described below. The set access rights portion 260 is used to allow the user to set particular actors who will be able to activate the agent shortcuts. For example, a user may want adult members of her family to be able to activate the agent shortcut operations, but to prohibit the minors in her family from doing so.
The save portion 270 lets a user save entries that have been made. The activate now portion 280 allows the user to have agent shortcut operations entered in the agent shortcut operation portion 230 activated immediately on the Agent-Managed Device.
FIG. 3 illustrates a screen shot 300 that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The user may be able to access the screen shot 300 on an Agent Setup Device, such as devices 120-133 shown in FIG. 1, for example. The user may access screen shot 300 by logging onto a particular website and entering a password, for example.
Screen shot 300 also includes an Agents portion 310. Agent List portion 320 may be selected to display an agent list of currently set up agents. How to Activate an Agent portion 330 may be selected to display instructions on how to activate an agent shortcut operation.
Instruction portion 340 contains instructions regarding agent activation. Phone number portion 350 allows a user to list a phone number for a phone that may be used for an Agent Activation Device. E-mail portion 360 allows a user to list an address for an e-mail account that may be used as an Agent Activation Device. WAP device portion 370 allows a user to list an address for a WAP device that may be used as an Agent Activation Device. Add New Device portion 380, upon selection, allows a user to add a new Agent Activation Device. When the agent information is added into the system on the Agent Setup Device, the server 135 will be programmed to accept signals from any of the devices having information entered in portions 350, 360 or 370.
FIG. 4 illustrates a screen shot 400 that may be generated in accordance with the present invention. Agent function portion 420 shows seven different agent shortcut operations, although any number of agent shortcut operations can be used. The agent functions 420 may be set up by the system based on previous selections made by the user, as described in FIG. 2. For example, if the user has previously set one or more parental control levels, the system may automatically set up such agent functions. Alternatively, the user may manually set desired agent functions, such as tuning to a specific channel at a desired time, turning on lights or other electronic devices connected to the network, etc.
The screen shot 400 also includes codes 430. The codes 430 are different for each agent function 420. When the appropriate code 430 is sent by an Agent Activation Device as described above in conjunction with FIG. 3, the appropriate agent functionality will be executed on the Agent-Managed Device, as further described below.
Once the user has set up the Agent Activation Devices as described in conjunction with FIG. 3 and has set up the agent functionality as described above in conjunction with FIG. 2, the system will function to allow the user to activate agent shortcut operations, using one of the Agent Activation Devices. For example, if the user is using a phone or WAP device, the user will dial or enter an access number that will access server 135. If the user is using e-mail, the user will send an email to an e-mail address that accesses the server 135. In either event, all the user must do now is enter or send the appropriate code 430.
The server 135 contains programming that recognizes the Agent Activation Device as belonging to the particular user, recognizes the entered code, and sends a signal to the Agent-Managed Device to execute the agent shortcut operation. The Agent Managed Device then associates the code with the appropriate agent shortcut macro, and causes the desired functionality to be carried out. Once the agent functionality and corresponding codes have been set up by the user, the agent shortcut operations can also be carried out on any Agent Activation Device. For example, specific keys on a television remote control may be programmed as hotkeys for activation of the agent shortcut operations to be executed on a digital set top box. This allows the user to have the added convenience of not having to access additional screens to perform the desired functionality.
Several embodiments of the invention are specifically illustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention. For example, the screen shots shown herein are only possible screen shots that may be used, and variations thereof may be used in accordance with the invention.

Claims (54)

1. A method, comprising:
receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, wherein the agent setup device is a mobile device coupled to a network and residing in a first location, and wherein the selection is received via a graphical user interface associated with a web page; and
sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to an agent activation device residing in a second location, wherein the agent shortcut operation is relayed back through the network and to an electronic device to be available for subsequent activation at a third location in which the electronic device resides.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the agent setup device is a different device than the electronic device.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a list of agent shortcut operations to the user on the agent setup device.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an indication from the user of an agent activation device that will activate the agent shortcut operation.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the agent shortcut operation may be remotely activated by the user on the agent activation device by e-mail, by phone, or by using another wireless, wireline, or network protocol.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an indication of a code from the user that is used to activate the agent shortcut operation.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a selection of a plurality of agent shortcut operations from the user, and sending the agent shortcut operations to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a computer, a set top box, a home alarm, a thermostat, an electronic device controller, a gaming console, a television, a digital video recorder, a phone, a lighting system, or another consumer electronics device.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user comprises receiving a pre-selected code from the user.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a set top box of a cable television system.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote setting of electronic device preferences, such as a parental control level or default language.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote reminder setting or recording of a desired program.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote searching for program content.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote activation of electronic or electrical equipment connected to the set top box.
15. A method, comprising:
sending an agent shortcut operation to an electronic device, wherein the agent shortcut operation is selected via a graphical user interface associated with a web page;
receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation; and
in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation, wherein the agent activation device and the electronic device reside in different locations.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic device is a different device than the agent activation device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the agent setup device is one of a computer, a phone or a personal data assistant, or another consumer electronics device.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the activation signal is a pre-selected code.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a computer, a set top box, a home alarm, a thermostat, an electronic device controller, a gaming console, a television, a digital video recorder, a phone, a lighting system, or another consumer electronics device.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic device is a set top box in a cable television system.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote setting of electronic device preferences, such as a parental control level or default language.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote reminder setting or recording of a desired program.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote searching for program content.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote activation of electronic or electrical equipment connected to the set top box.
25. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
sending a plurality of agent shortcut operations to the electronic device, each of the agent shortcut operations having a corresponding activation code; and
sending a signal to activate one of the agent shortcut operations to the electronic device upon receipt of the corresponding activation code.
26. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving a setup signal from an agent setup device, the setup signal designating what device may act as the agent activation device.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the setup signal indicates an activation code that upon entry in the agent activation device enables the agent shortcut operation.
28. A system, comprising:
means for receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, wherein the agent setup device is a mobile device coupled to a network and residing in a first location, and wherein the selection is received via a graphical user interface associated with a web page; and
means for sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to an agent activation device residing in a second location, wherein the agent shortcut operation is relayed back through the network and to an electronic device to be available for subsequent activation at a third location in which the electronic device resides.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the agent setup device is a different device than the electronic device.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising means for providing a list of agent shortcut operations to the user on the agent setup device.
31. The system of claim 28, further comprising means for receiving an indication of a code from the user that is used to activate the agent shortcut operation.
32. The system of claim 28, further comprising means for receiving a selection of a plurality of agent shortcut operations from the user, and sending the agent shortcut operations to the electronic device to be available for subsequent activation.
33. The system of claim 28, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a computer, a set top box, a home alarm, a thermostat, an electronic device controller, a gaming console, a television, a digital video recorder, a phone, a lighting system, or another consumer electronics device.
34. The system of claim 28, wherein the means for receiving the designation from the user of at least electronic device comprises means for receiving a designation from the user of a plurality of electronic devices, further comprising sending the selected agent shortcut to the designated plurality of electronic devices.
35. The system of claim 28, wherein the electronic device is a set top box of a cable television system.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote setting of electronic device preferences, such as parental control level or default language.
37. The system of claim 35, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote reminder setting or recording of a desired program.
38. The system of claim 35, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote searching for program content.
39. The system of claim 35, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote activation of electronic or electrical equipment connected to the set top box.
40. A system, comprising:
means for sending an agent shortcut operation to an electronic device, wherein the agent shortcut operation is selected via a graphical user interface associated with a web page;
means for receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation; and
means for sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation, in response to the received activation signal, wherein the agent activation device and the electronic device reside in different locations.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein the agent activation device is a different device than the electronic device.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the agent activation device is one of a computer, a phone or a personal data assistant or another electronics device.
43. The system of claim 40, wherein the activation signal is a pre-selected code.
44. The system of claim 40, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a computer, a set top box, a home alarm, a thermostat, an electronic device controller, a gaming console, a television, a digital video recorder, a phone, a lighting system, or another consumer electronic device.
45. The system of claim 40, wherein the electronic device is a set top box in a cable television system.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote setting of electronic device preferences, such as parental control level or default language.
47. The system of claim 45, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote reminder setting or recording of a desired program.
48. The system of claim 45, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote searching for program content.
49. The system of claim 45, wherein the agent shortcut operation enables remote activation of electronic or electrical equipment connected to the set top box.
50. The system of claim 40, further comprising:
means for sending a plurality of agent shortcut operations to the electronic device, each of the agent shortcut operations having a corresponding activation code; and
means for sending a signal to activate one of the agent shortcut operations upon receipt of the corresponding activation code.
51. The system of claim 40, further comprising means for receiving a setup signal from an agent setup device, the setup signal designating what device may act as the agent activation device.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein the setup signal indicates an activation code that upon entry in the agent activation device enables the agent shortcut operation.
53. A non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions configured for:
receiving a selection of an agent shortcut operation from a user on an agent setup device, wherein the agent setup device is a mobile device coupled to a network and residing in a first location, and wherein the selection is received via a graphical user interface associated with a web page; and
sending the selected agent shortcut operation through the network to an agent activation device residing in a second location, wherein the agent shortcut operation is relayed back through the network and to an electronic device to be available for subsequent activation at a third location in which the electronic device resides.
54. A non-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions configured for:
sending an agent shortcut operation to an electronic device, wherein the agent shortcut operation is selected via a graphical user interface associated with a web page;
receiving an activation signal from an agent activation device for the agent shortcut operation; and
in response to the received activation signal, sending a signal to the electronic device to activate the agent shortcut operation, wherein the agent activation device and the electronic device reside in different locations.
US10/721,071 2003-11-26 2003-11-26 System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations Active 2027-10-20 US7978215B2 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/721,071 US7978215B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2003-11-26 System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations
CA002470968A CA2470968A1 (en) 2003-11-26 2004-06-14 System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations
US13/118,438 US8289361B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2011-05-29 System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/721,071 US7978215B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2003-11-26 System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/118,438 Continuation US8289361B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2011-05-29 System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050114483A1 US20050114483A1 (en) 2005-05-26
US7978215B2 true US7978215B2 (en) 2011-07-12

Family

ID=34591720

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/721,071 Active 2027-10-20 US7978215B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2003-11-26 System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations
US13/118,438 Expired - Lifetime US8289361B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2011-05-29 System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/118,438 Expired - Lifetime US8289361B2 (en) 2003-11-26 2011-05-29 System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US7978215B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2470968A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130139113A1 (en) * 2011-11-30 2013-05-30 Microsoft Corporation Quick action for performing frequent tasks on a mobile device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7978215B2 (en) * 2003-11-26 2011-07-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations
JP4285512B2 (en) * 2006-07-31 2009-06-24 ソニー株式会社 Recording apparatus, recording method, reproducing apparatus, reproducing method, recording / reproducing apparatus, recording / reproducing method, imaging recording apparatus, and imaging recording method

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6198479B1 (en) * 1997-06-25 2001-03-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Home network, browser based, command and control
US20020035404A1 (en) * 2000-09-14 2002-03-21 Michael Ficco Device control via digitally stored program content
US20020083128A1 (en) * 1997-10-02 2002-06-27 Jun Miyajima Automatic remote electronic instrument connecting system and method
US20020174444A1 (en) * 2001-05-21 2002-11-21 Jean-Marie Gatto Trusted transactional set-top box
US20030115602A1 (en) * 1995-06-07 2003-06-19 Knee Robert Alan Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US20030140107A1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2003-07-24 Babak Rezvani Systems and methods for virtually representing devices at remote sites
US20040031058A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2004-02-12 Richard Reisman Method and apparatus for browsing using alternative linkbases
US20040044553A1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-03-04 Lambert J. David Modular architecture for rapid deployment and coordination of emergency event field surveillance

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7978215B2 (en) * 2003-11-26 2011-07-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System using mobile device for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations to control electronic device at remote locations

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030115602A1 (en) * 1995-06-07 2003-06-19 Knee Robert Alan Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US6198479B1 (en) * 1997-06-25 2001-03-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Home network, browser based, command and control
US20020083128A1 (en) * 1997-10-02 2002-06-27 Jun Miyajima Automatic remote electronic instrument connecting system and method
US20030140107A1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2003-07-24 Babak Rezvani Systems and methods for virtually representing devices at remote sites
US20020035404A1 (en) * 2000-09-14 2002-03-21 Michael Ficco Device control via digitally stored program content
US20040044553A1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-03-04 Lambert J. David Modular architecture for rapid deployment and coordination of emergency event field surveillance
US20020174444A1 (en) * 2001-05-21 2002-11-21 Jean-Marie Gatto Trusted transactional set-top box
US20040031058A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2004-02-12 Richard Reisman Method and apparatus for browsing using alternative linkbases

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130139113A1 (en) * 2011-11-30 2013-05-30 Microsoft Corporation Quick action for performing frequent tasks on a mobile device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20110231472A1 (en) 2011-09-22
US8289361B2 (en) 2012-10-16
US20050114483A1 (en) 2005-05-26
CA2470968A1 (en) 2005-05-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11119637B2 (en) System and method for flexible configuration of a controlling device
US7941786B2 (en) Configurable controlling device and associated configuration distribution system and method
CN1613100B (en) User interface for a remote control application
US7743012B2 (en) Configurable controlling device and associated configuration upload and download system and method
US7278110B1 (en) Programmable device control system and method
JP5557798B2 (en) User interface for multi-device control
US8725845B2 (en) Automation control system having a configuration tool
US8001219B2 (en) User control interface for convergence and automation system
EP2256709B1 (en) System and method for controlling the recording functionality of an appliance using a program guide
US20080134071A1 (en) Enabling user control over selectable functions of a running existing application
US20140259152A1 (en) Apparatus and method for configuring password and for releasing lock
US20070016958A1 (en) Allowing any computer users access to use only a selection of the available applications
US20090063181A1 (en) Facility management system and control method of facility management system
JP2004503857A (en) User interface with dynamic menu option configuration
JP2004501462A (en) Token-based personalization of smart electronic devices
KR20040071705A (en) Home network environment as a state machine
KR100614331B1 (en) Method for controlling home network and system using the same
WO2005073837A1 (en) Navigating through a hierarchically organized menu
CN103425483A (en) User customization of menus
US20230251768A1 (en) System and method for flexible configuration of a controlling device
US8289361B2 (en) System and method for setting up and activating agent shortcut operations
KR102230875B1 (en) Method for managing chatting rooms in portable terminal and apparatus therefore
CN100579089C (en) Device control system, method, and apparatus
JP2007306096A (en) Remote control code server system
JP2006155285A (en) Electronic equipment customized service system using communication network

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: EXTENDMEDIA INC., ONTARIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KOCHO, KEITH;REEL/FRAME:014751/0604

Effective date: 20031125

AS Assignment

Owner name: CISCO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL S.A.R.L., SWITZERLAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EXTENDMEDIA ULC, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO EXTENDMEDIA INC.;REEL/FRAME:026365/0162

Effective date: 20110526

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 12